Each exercise routine is designed for the individual. Your cardiologist or primary care physician orders specific guidelines for monitoring your exercise. Once an order is received, an appointment can be scheduled with the Cardiac Rehab Department. Our professional staff will supervise and monitor you durning your training and throughout the rehabilitation period according to your specific needs.
Monitored participants are cared for by a Registered Nurse certified in American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Non-monitored participants may be supervised by other trained staff.
In addition to your exercise program, you will be provided information on lifestyle modifications including, but not limited to: smoking cessation, exercise, medications, stress management, dietary planning and living with coronary artery disease. Individual counseling is provided to each participant.
Cardiac Rehabilitation is performed in three phases.
Phase I:
Phase I takes place in the hospital during the acute stage of illness, where your cardiologist is located. Our nurses are sensitive about the inconveniences that health problems and hospitalization can cause. They will provide support and encouragement during your stay and help you to deal with any tests or procedures you might have done, and/or to recover from any surgery you may have had. Their instructions set the ground work for improving cardiac function in Phase II.
Phase II:
Phase II of Cardiac Rehabilitation takes place during the initial home care period. Participants in Phase II are monitored closely on an individual basis by a staff member. Blood pressure and EKG (Electrocardiogram) monitoring are observed. Glucose monitoring is performed if needed and individualized support and instruction is given to each person, according to their needs.
Most Phase II Cardiac Rehab activities are covered by insurance. The Cardiac Rehab staff wil verify insurance coverage and plan your care with the help of your doctor. Theis phase typically is thee days per week and lasts from six to 12 weeks.
Please check on scheduled times for this service.
Phase III:
Centered around wellness, Phase III is a time of independence and taking responsibility in your own monitoring of exercise. This can be carried out at home, at a health facility of your choice or in the ECMC Cardiac Rehab program.
There will be a nurse attendant at that time to monitor your vital signs and assist with the equipment.
Please check on scheduled times for this service.
The rate is $30 a month or $15 for 1/2 month.
For more information or to use ECMC's Cardiac Rehab for your Phase III program, please call Ellsworth County Medical Center at 785-472-5029 ext 555 and leave a message on the Cardiac Rehab voice mail, or call the Rural Health Clinic at 785-472-3111. The receptionists will gladly relay your message to the Cardiac Rehab staff.
Outdoor activities can be a fun way to get the exercise you need to stay healthy. However, if you choose to exercise outdoors, please follow these simple precautions:
• Avoid outdoor exercise if the temperature is greater than 85 degrees and/or above 80 percent humidity.
• Avoid outdoor exercise if the temperature is below 35 degrees or if the wind chill is less than 35 degrees.
• Exercise only if you are well rested and feeling good.
• Avoid exercising on an empty stomach or shortly after a meal. (If you are diabetic, be sure to check your blood sugar before you exercise and make sure you carry glucose tablets with you)
• Be aware of signs or symptoms of over-exertion. You should be comfortable during exercise. Your exertion level should be somewhere between 11-14 on the Perceived Exertion Scale. (11-14 Perceived Exertion Scale means that a patient is breathing heavier but is able to talk and their muscles feel like they are working.)
